The 49ers are where the Raiders were three years ago – drastically undermanned, in the midst of unrelenting losing, and with Fort Knox-like money under the salary cap. Obviously, the 10-2 Raiders have made the right moves in hiring coach Jack Del Rio, drafting players like Derek Carr and Amari Cooper, and acquiring players like …

When it comes to practice skirmishes between his players, Jim Tomsula has said he’s a traffic cop. On Tuesday, however, the 49ers head coach had to break up a scuffle involving defensive tackle Cornelius Carradine. Weight: 295. Nickname: Tank. …

In what could be viewed as a symbolic move, 49ers head coach Jim Tomsula accompanied wide receiver Jerome Simpson after practice today to discuss Simpson’s just-handed-down six-game suspension with a group of reporters. …

The 49ers played both home preseason games in scorching afternoon heat last year, but their exhibition contests will start at 5 p.m. (Cowboys) and 7 p.m. (Chargers, Sept. 3) this season. They will play just two afternoon home games – on Oct. 4 and Oct. 18 – in the first eights weeks of the season. …

Purcell, 24, had two of his tackles on a six-play goal-line sequence in which Houston couldn’t score despite running five plays from the 1-yard line. On 2nd-and-goal from the 1, Purcell dropped Alfred Blue for a three-yard loss. On the next play, following a pass-interference penalty, he teamed with linebacker Nick Moody to stop Kenny Hilliard for no gain. …

The 49ers inside linebacker, who is 19 months removed from sustaining a severe knee injury, won’t play in the preseason opener against the Texans. In addition, tight end Vernon Davis and defensive tackle Darnell Dockett won’t play, a 49ers official said. Dockett, 34, is a year removed from sustaining a torn ACL and his snaps have been monitored during the first two weeks of training camp. …

During Reggie Bush’s free-agent visit with the 49ers this spring, the 30-year-old running back surprised head coach Jim Tomsula by expressing an interest in special teams. Specifically, Bush inquired about returning punts: Would the 49ers give him an opportunity to do so? …

During his 12-year NFL career, Charles Haley was an out-of-control, destructive force: He bullied teammates, picked on coaches, abused opposing offensive tackles and buried quarterbacks. In his Hall-of-Fame induction speech on Saturday night, however, the former 49ers and Cowboys pass-rusher said he was also this: scared and stubborn. …

Baalke’s absence was notable given his history with Smith. Baalke made Smith his first draft pick after he was officially named general manager in 2011 and he’s offered public support amid calls for the 49ers to cut ties with Smith for his off-the-field transgressions. …